If you’ve ever been on a road trip before you can fully understand what an amazing adventure the journey can be. Road trips are one of the best ways to explore destinations from one place to another while enjoying everything in between. While there’s no set rule about how long or short a road trip should be, there’s something extra magical about long distance journeys on the road.
It’s been said, “Once a year, you should go someplace you’ve never seen before.”(1) If exploring a new place once a year just isn’t enough, then how about a 365-day road trip that’s guaranteed to give you unforgettable memories and a consistent 70 degrees?
Image by Brian Brettschneider
Why You Should Take a Road Trip
When I moved from New York to California, the cross-country road trip experience changed my life forever. I found myself in complete awe of the country I lived in. I marveled at places I never would experienced had I not chosen to hit the road. It was an experience of a lifetime and one that I believe everyone should venture to experience at least once.
There’s no better way to get out of your comfort zone than by taking an unforgettable road trip journey. Though road trips take money, planning, and trust (as you never know how it will turn out- as is life), the experience is nothing short of euphoric and priceless.
Road Trip Benefits
Road trips are ultimately about discovery. Through the journey of discovering new places and new people, you’ll often make the biggest discoveries within yourself.
Other reasons you should never deny yourself the opportunity to take a road trip:
- Up-close look into the real world. There’s no such thing as getting lost on a road trip. You get to choose the paths you take and the sites you’ll get to see along the way. Being able to experience different cities and states and their varying cultures is a journey all on its own. When you’re on the road and far away from home, you get to look at life through a different lens. You get to admire the beauty of places that are otherwise out of your everyday normal bubble.
- Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. One of the most memorable experiences of elongated road trips is the ability to see the sunrise and the sunset in the most breathtaking backdrops. There is something truly indescribable about experiencing a sunrise in one place, and a sunset in an entirely different place- sometimes even on the same day.
- Self-reflection. Traveling is a great way to get back in touch with who you really are, and the things that evoke true happiness and peace within your soul. Embarking on a road trip is no exception. Not much can compare to a drive out on the open road.
- Memorable stories. With a country riddled with diverse landscapes, cultures, and climates, there’s no telling what may come your way. Road trips encourage exploration, resulting in a library of stories and experiences to last a lifetime.
- Living in the moment. During your road trip adventure, always expect the unexpected. One of the highlights of road tripping is the element of staying present. While you’re on the road, there’s no telling what stops you’ll make or the people you’ll meet. One thing is for certain, you’ll be forced to live in the brilliant moments of whatever comes your way.
Ultimate 70 Degree Road Trip
In order to have a successful road trip, you’ll want to account for inclement weather. But how can you go on an epic road trip while dodging undesirable weather conditions? Meteorologist Brian Brettschneider had the right idea. Responsible for the yearlong 70°F road trip, Brettschneider mapped out a 13,235-mile journey sure to satisfy all your senses.
Using weather data from the National Centers for Environmental Information and Environment Canada, Brettschneider was able to determine the “normal” high temperatures along North America. The data which ranges from 1981 to 2010 ensured a consistent average.
Then, Brettschneider took temperatures from various weather stations in the US and Canada and created a single, 365-day route. The route starts January 1st on the Texas/Mexico border and takes you along the majority of the lower 48 states of the country. Also stopping through eastern Canada, and even Alaska, the yearlong excursion winds down on December 31st in the beautiful city of San Diego, California.
There’s no telling what marvels you’ll find along the way. One thing is for certain, this yearlong road trip is the best way to see the most magical places the U.S. has to offer. (2, 3, 4)
